Men's Bob Beamon Mexico 1968 T-shirt

High altitudeThe choice of Mexico City to host the 1968 Olympic Games proved to be a controversial one because of the city's high altitude, 2,300m. The altitude proved an advantage in explosive events such as short-distance running, jumping, throwing and weightlifting. But the rarefied air proved very difficult for those competing in endurance events.

Records tumbleThe high altitude led to world records being set in all of the men’s races that were 400m or shorter, plus the long jump and triple jump. Probably the most memorable achievement was that of Bob Beamon, whose spectacular long jump of 8.90m set a world record that would last for 22 years.

Olympic firstsMexican hurdler Enriqueta Basilio became the first woman to light the cauldron at an Opening Ceremony. Wyomia Tyus of the US became the first athlete to win the 100m for a second time. Dick Fosbury won the men’s high jump with a new jumping style henceforth known as the “Fosbury Flop”, and for the first time winners had to undergo doping tests.

Drama and beautyThe Games were blessed with many outstanding heroines but none more so than Vera Caslavska. The attractive and vivacious Czech gymnast won four golds and two silver medals. Her victories were dramatic and also symbolic - defeating Soviet gymnasts two months after the Soviet invasion of her homeland